Drone strike on Israel’s Red Sea city of Eilat injures 20; IDF blames Yemen launch

Eilat hit, 20 injured in suspected Houthi drone strike

At least 20 people were injured on Wednesday when a drone launched from Yemen struck the southern Israeli city of Eilat on the Red Sea coast, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

Emergency services reported chaos in Eilat after the strike, with Israel’s Magen David Adom confirming 20 casualties. Two victims sustained severe limb injuries and were transferred to Yoseftal Hospital, while others were treated for moderate and light wounds, according to Associated Press.

The IDF said attempts were made to intercept the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) but it managed to hit the coastal city. Television footage showed thick smoke rising from the impact site, as security forces rushed to cordon off the area.

“IDF troops, alongside the Israel Police, were dispatched to the area of Eilat after receiving a report of a UAV attack,” the military said in a statement as per Associated Press. A helicopter was deployed to airlift some of the injured.

While Israeli media quickly linked the strike to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, the group has not officially claimed responsibility. If confirmed, this would mark one of the Houthis’ most serious drone attacks against Israel in terms of casualties.

The IDF urged residents to follow safety protocols: “In the event of a UAV alert, remain in protected areas for at least 10 minutes.”

This is not the first time Eilat and southern Israel have been targeted. In early September, a Houthi drone hit Ramon Airport, north of Eilat, injuring one person. In July 2024, a drone strike in Tel Aviv killed one person and injured 10 when it struck an apartment building near the US embassy branch office.

The attack highlights growing risks for Israel’s southern cities amid escalating tensions across the Middle East. Eilat, a strategic port and tourist hub on the Red Sea, has increasingly found itself in the line of fire as Houthis extend their drone capabilities beyond Yemen and the Gulf.

With the Houthis yet to issue a statement, Israeli officials are closely watching whether the group formally takes responsibility — a move that could further escalate regional hostilities.